Bargain Bites 2013

October 24, 2013

Our best bets for dining on the cheap in the Bay Area, broken down into categories from bar food to ramen to taquerias and beyond.

Mathew Ramsey

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El Porteno: Empanadas are the name of the game at this popular spot, with a tiny outpost in the Ferry Building and a food truck to boot. The Argentine-style hand-held snacks ($4 each) are sufficiently filling - two to three would make a meal. And the selection is so varied you'll want more than one. Inside the buttery dough, look for fillings like ground beef, raisins and olives, or mushrooms with creme fraiche. For dessert, don't miss the dulce de leche and banana empanada, or the decadent alfajores.

El Porteno: Empanadas are the name of the game at this popular spot, with a tiny outpost in the Ferry Building and a food truck to boot. The Argentine-style hand-held snacks ($4 each) are sufficiently filling - two to three would make a meal. And the selection is so varied you'll want more than one. Inside the buttery dough, look for fillings like ground beef, raisins and olives, or mushrooms with creme fraiche. For dessert, don't miss the dulce de leche and banana empanada, or the decadent alfajores.